“Curtis Bray was a dear friend to me and to all he ever came in contact with,” Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads said in a statement Wednesday. “He was a trusted and loyal assistant coach who always put the kids and the team in front of his work. He was as genuine in his approach to relationships, coaching and life as anyone I have ever been associated with. We will miss him dearly.”

Defensive end Cory Morrissey was an honorable mention All-Big 12 performer this season. He said Bray was like a father figure to him.

“He definitely was a father figure for me with everything that has happened in my life,” Morrissey said. “I lost my father when I was 14. I learned everything about the position and life lessons from him. He coached beyond the field. He coached young men to become men.”

A graduate of Pittsburgh where he played linebacker, Bray also made stops at Temple, Pittsburgh, Villanova, Western Kentucky and Duquesne as a defensive assistant.

Bray met Rhoad while on staff at Pittsburgh — Rhoads was the Panthers' defensive coordinator.

Bray is survived by his wife, Heather, and daughter, Sydney, and son, Colden Charles.